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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Gurgaon's Bristol Chowk becomes the costliest liquor zone with license allotment at nearly Rs 100 crore
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Gurugram's Bristol Chowk situated on the posh Golf Course Road went for almost Rs 100 crore in the liquor licensing auction held on Saturday. At Rs 98.6 crores it is almost double from last year's Rs 49.3 crores, a 4.2% increase from its reserve price of Rs 94.6 crores. This was Haryana's most expensive excise auction till Chowk is a part of Gurugram's West excise zone.'This year's license auction under the new excise policy was for 22 months(June 2025- March 2027) compared to 12 months in the last 2024-25 auction,' as told by officials to winning bid was placed by a G-Town Wines , it was the lone bidder for this Zone. The terms of the license dictate that it can only open two vends in this second place in the 'highest bids table' went to DLF-3 at Rs 63 crores against a reserve price of Rs. 60 crores. The third highest bid came from Shankar Chowk where the winning bid was the same as its reserve price of Rs. 62 lowest amount that anyone can bid for obtaining the liquor license is its reserve price." 50 out of 79 zones in Gurgaon East were auctioned over the weekend. Govt made revenue of Rs 1,270 crore, almost 6% higher than the combined reserve price of Rs 1,198 crore set for these zones," said Amit Bhatia, deputy excise and taxation commissioner to TOI. Horizon Plaza went for ₹46.2 crore, slightly above its reserve price, making it the second-highest bid in Gurgaon East. Bids for Signature Tower, World Mark, and Jalsa remained close to their base with the highest gains over reserve prices included Nawada (+30%), South City (+25%), American Express on SPR (+24.3%), Badshapur (+20.9%), Sikohpur and Kankrola (both +20.5%), Sohna Road (+16.9%), and Banni Square (+12%).The remaining 21 zones in Gurgaon West will be auctioned on June 3, followed by 29 zones in Gurgaon East on June added that the third round of the excise auction saw a stronger response than the previous one, reflecting broader participation in the zone auctions and a favourable reception to the state's excise makes up for approximately two-fifths of Haryana's excise government has set a revenue target of ₹14,064 crore for the current year. In the previous fiscal year (2024–25), collections reached ₹11,491 crore, achieving about 90% of the ₹12,650 crore state cabinet approved the new liquor policy for 2025–2027 on May 5, introducing earlier closing hours for urban vendors, a ban on live performances in ahatas, and prohibiting alcohol sales in villages with populations under 500.(With inputs from TOI)
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Auction of 50 Gurgaon liquor vends fetches Rs 1,270.40 crore; Bristol Chowk highest at Rs 98.6 crore
The third phase of liquor vend auctions was a bonanza for the Haryana Government's exchequer as bids fetched Rs 1270.40 crore, exceeding the reserve price of Rs 1198.90 crore by 5.96 per cent. Bristol Chowk at the city's elite Golf Course Road saw the highest bids at Rs 98.6 crore by G-Town Wines against a reserve (base) price of Rs 94.6 crore. Last year, the same zone last year saw the highest bid by the same winning bidder at Rs 48.28 crore against a base price of Rs 36.75 crore. The Haryana Excise and Taxation Department conducted and completed the auctions of 50 out of 79 liquor retail zones in Gurugram (East) under the Excise Policy 2025-27. The DLF-3 zone fetched Rs 63 crore against a reserve price of Rs 60 crore, the second highest in the district. The third highest was for the Shankar Chowk zone, which went at the base price of Rs 62 crore. Nawada zone saw winning bids that were 30 per cent higher than the base price, while the same for South City was 25 per cent, American Express on Southern Peripheral Road at 24.3 per cent, Badshapur at 20.9 per cent, Sikohpur 20.5 per cent, Kankrola 20.5 per cent, Sohna Road at 16.9 per cent, and Banni Square at 12 per cent. The auctions were conducted under a committee led by the deputy commissioner at the department's Resource Building office. City Magistrate Ravindra Kumar represented the commissioner during the bid opening. Amit Bhatia, Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner (East), said the bidding was open from 9 am on May 30 to 4 pm on May 31. The next auction round for the remaining zones in Gurugram (West) is set for June 3, with e-tenders accepted from 9 am to 4 pm, and evaluations at 5 pm. For the remaining 29 zones in Gurugram (East), tenders will be invited on June 5 from 9 am to 4 pm, with evaluations at 5 pm. The reserve price for these zones is Rs 1021 crore. Unlike previous years, where the annual beginning was in June, the excise policy this time is for 22 months, and from 2027 June onwards will be two years, leading to higher bids. The excise department allots licences through its zones in Gurgaon, and an allottee can open two vends in the zone with a cap of two to limit monopoly by big businesses. Competition from neighbouring states has increased in recent years because the policy is liberal as compared to those of other states, and the prices are low, driving many companies to make a foray into the business in Haryana, excise officials had earlier told The Indian Express. The Haryana Government has set a revenue target of Rs 14,064 crore under the current (new) excise policy. In 2024-25, the government collected Rs 12,700 crore against a target of Rs 12,650 crore.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
At Rs 98 crore revenue, Bristol Chowk is Haryana's costliest liquor zone
GURGAON: Haryana's revenue from liquor licence in one zone of the city - Bristol Chowk on the upscale Golf Course Road - has touched nearly Rs 100 crore, making it the costliest-ever excise auction in the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On Saturday, the licence went for Rs 98.6 crore, a 4.2% increase from its reserve price of Rs 94.6 crore. The bid was won by the sole applicant - a firm called G-Town Wines, which is permitted to open a maximum of two vends in the zone. In the last excise policy for financial year 2024-25, Bristol Chowk was auctioned for almost half the amount of the latest bid, at Rs 49.3 crore. Officials told TOI Sunday the reserve price for this coveted zone was nearly doubled for the latest excise policy as it will be applicable for 22 months - from June 2025 to March 2027 - up from 12 months earlier. Until now, the excise policy was applicable for 12 months and the licence fee was charged for a year. With the new policy, the duration for the licence fee has also increased," the official said. Reserve price is the minimum amount that an entity can bid for while trying to get a liquor licence. DLF-3, auctioned for Rs 63 crore (against reserve price of Rs 60 crore), clinched the second spot in highest bids after Bristol Chowk, followed by Shankar Chowk, which went for Rs 62 crore (same as its reserve price). While Bristol Chowk is part of Gurgaon's West excise zone, auctioned over the last weekend, the other two were included in the city's East zone, the bidding process for which was held earlier last week. "Fifty out of 79 zones in Gurgaon East were auctioned over the weekend. Govt made revenue of Rs 1,270 crore, almost 6% higher than the combined reserve price of Rs 1,198 crore set for these zones," said Amit Bhatia, deputy excise and taxation commissioner (DETC). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Horizon Plaza went for Rs 46.2 crore in the latest auction, just marginally higher than its reserve price, but the second highest amount to be bid for in the Gurgaon East zone. There weren't any major deviations from reserve prices in bids for Signature Tower, World Mark and Jalsa. The zones that added to govt's estimated earnings from liquor licences were Nawada, auctioned for a bid that was 30% higher than the reserve price, South City (+25%), American Express on Southern Peripheral Road (+24.3%), Badshapur (+20.9%), Sikohpur (+20.5%), Kankrola (+20.5%), Sohna Road (+16.9%), and Banni Square (+12%). Bhatia said the 21 remaining zones out of 83 in Gurgaon West will be auctioned on June 3, and the same will be carried out for the remaining 29 zones in Gurgaon East on June 5. "The department received a better response in the third round of the excise auction compared to the previous round, indicating widespread participation in the zone auction process and a positive response to the state's excise policy," he added. Gurgaon makes up for around 35-40% of Haryana's excise revenue. The state cabinet on May 5 approved the new liquor policy for 2025-2027, which introduced earlier closing hours for urban vendors, bans on live performances in ahatas and halting the sale of alcohol in villages with a population under 500. The govt also set an ambitious financial goal, targeting revenue of Rs 14,064 crore this time. Collections reached Rs 11,491 crore, about 90% of the targeted Rs 12,650 crore in FY 2024-25.
News18
29-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Gurugram Vendors Found Selling Liquor Below MRP, Probe Launched
Last Updated: Violations of MRSP norms may indicate value-added tax (VAT) evasion and raise concerns about the sale of potentially substandard or unauthorised liquor in the market. The Gurugram excise department has initiated an investigation into liquor vendors allegedly violating pricing regulations. They are accused of selling alcoholic beverages below the minimum retail sale price (MRSP) and overcharging bars and pubs beyond allowed limits. According to the officials, any violations of MRSP norms may indicate value-added tax (VAT) evasion and raise concerns about the sale of potentially substandard or unauthorised liquor in the market. Social activists and pub owners have also alleged the existence of a parallel, unregulated pricing system. As per Haryana's excise policy, MRSP is the minimum price at which alcoholic beverages can be sold. Selling below this price is prohibited, as it can disrupt market competition and may indicate tax evasion or irregularities in tax payments. In many cases, the violation arises when outgoing L-2 license holders—retail vend operators—attempt to offload old stock by offering steep discounts as their tenure ends. With the new excise policy year beginning on June 12, some vendors are reportedly slashing prices to avoid incurring losses when handing over inventory to new license holders. L-2 licensees are barred from offering discounts below the MRSP, under the current excise policy, as well as the new policy effective from June 12, 2025 to March 31, 2027. The policy also imposes a cap on how much more L-2 vendors can charge bars and pubs—no more than 10% above the MRSP. However, spot checks by Hindustan Times indicate blatant violations. In one case, a 750 ml bottle of VAT 69 whisky, with an MRSP of Rs 1,550, was reportedly being sold for Rs 1,000, and in bulk purchases, for as little as Rs 700. Meanwhile, bars claimed they were charged Rs 220 for a 330ml Corona beer bottle with an MRSP of Rs 95, more than double the permitted price. Pub and bar owners also voiced frustration over the unchecked practices. 'We're being charged nearly double for a single bottle of beer. The vendors tell us to take it or leave it. There's no enforcement," said a pub manager from Sector 29, who asked to remain anonymous. Another bar owner from Cyber Hub echoed the sentiment, alleging that complaints to the excise department have gone unanswered. 'It feels like the system is compromised," he said. Amit Bhatia, Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner (East), acknowledged the complaints and assured action. 'We will check this activity and issue notices to the concerned L-2 licensees. Breach challans will be served, and further violations will attract stricter penalties," he said. Enforcement of liquor rules remains a concern, with many vendors failing to provide receipts with their name and address, violating excise policy. Additionally, the limit of 12 bottles per customer is often ignored, sparking complaints from consumers. Amit Khurana, a private sector employee, said the pricing disparities are obvious to regular buyers. 'It's a free-for-all. You find the same bottle at wildly different prices. We've complained, but nothing changes," he said. First Published:
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
‘Illegal' liquor pricing sparks outcry in Gurugram
The Gurugram excise department has launched an inquiry into allegations that liquor vends in the city are flouting pricing norms—by undercutting the minimum retail sale price (MRSP) for alcoholic beverages and overcharging bars and pubs well beyond permissible limits. Officials said any violations of MRSP norms may indicate value-added tax (VAT) evasion and raise concerns about the sale of potentially substandard or unauthorised liquor in the market. Social activists and pub owners have also alleged the existence of a parallel, unregulated pricing system. MRSP, under Haryana's excise policy, is the mandatory floor price for alcoholic beverages—below which no sales are allowed under any circumstances. Such sale not only distorts market competition but may also indicate that taxes are not being correctly levied or paid on transactions. In many cases, the violation arises when outgoing L-2 license holders—retail vend operators—attempt to offload old stock by offering steep discounts as their tenure ends. With the new excise policy year beginning on June 12, some vendors are reportedly slashing prices to avoid incurring losses when handing over inventory to new licence holders. Under the current excise policy, as well as the new policy effective from June 12, 2025 to March 31, 2027, L-2 licensees are barred from offering discounts below the MRSP. The policy also imposes a cap on how much more L-2 vends can charge bars and pubs—no more than 10% above the MRSP. However,spot checks by HT indicate blatant violations. In one case, a 750 ml bottle of VAT 69 whisky, with an MRSP of ₹1,550, was reportedly being sold for ₹1,000—and in bulk purchases, for as little as ₹700. At the same time, some bars allege they are being charged ₹220 for a 330 ml bottle of Corona beer, which has an MRSP of ₹95—over double the allowed margin. Supreme Court advocate Rajeev Yadav, who has been raising the issue with the excise department, said, 'The dual pricing strategy adopted by these vends is not only unethical but also illegal. Selling below MRSP suggests VAT evasion, while overcharging bars is profiteering. The excise department must initiate audits and take action.' Pub and bar owners also voiced frustration over the unchecked practices. 'We're being charged nearly double for a single bottle of beer. The vendors tell us to take it or leave it. There's no enforcement,' said a pub manager from Sector 29, who asked to remain anonymous. Another bar owner from Cyber Hub echoed the sentiment, alleging that complaints to the excise department have gone unanswered. 'It feels like the system is compromised,' he said. In response to the growing chorus of complaints, deputy excise and taxation commissioner (East) Amit Bhatia acknowledged the irregularities. 'We will check this activity and issue notices to the concerned L-2 licensees. Breach challans will be served, and further violations will attract stricter penalties,' he said. But questions remain about how thoroughly these rules are being enforced. Many liquor vends reportedly fail to issue receipts with the name and address of the establishment, in violation of Clause 1.7 of the excise policy, which mandates the use of an integrated Point of Sale (POS) system. Moreover, the policy's cap on individual liquor purchases—no more than 12 bottles per customer—is being routinely flouted, say consumers. The excise policy lays down strict penalties for MRSP violations. Clause 7.4 mandates the automatic suspension of the violator's licence for the day of detection and the following two days. Clause 2.13.5 allows for sealing of vends in cases of major violations. Despite this, vendors accused of undercutting prices and overcharging bars continue to operate. Amit Khurana, a private sector employee, said the pricing disparities are obvious to regular buyers. 'It's a free-for-all. You find the same bottle at wildly different prices. We've complained, but nothing changes,' he said. The practice not only disrupts fair market competition but also raises concerns about potential revenue loss for the state and questions about the quality and authenticity of discounted products. The Haryana Excise Policy for 2025-27 has introduced stricter penalties for violations, including significant fines and potential license cancellation for repeated offenses related to pricing and advertisement. However, the effectiveness of these measures is being questioned by the public given the ongoing nature of the problem. Advocate Yadav emphasised the need for accountability, stating, 'It's imperative that the excise department not only penalises the erring vends but also investigates potential collusion within its ranks. The integrity of the system is at stake.'
